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Terrorism can affect us in many ways, be it a domestic attack like the bombing of the Murrah Building in Oklahoma City or a foreign attack like the World Trade Center bombings. After the Murrah Building bombing, security was intensified around federal and state government buildings and people were appalled that Americans could perform such an act of hatred. After 9/11, fear entered our lives as security increased, racism increased against middle-eastern people, and the economy began to crumble. Officials started looking closer at our national security; this included an assessment of how important trucking is to our nation and how easily the movement of goods could be brought to a screeching halt.

Realizing that truckers are everywhere in this country and are observant of their surroundings, the Transportation Security Administration initialized a program called the Highway Watch Program in conjunction with the ATA. Problems and bad publicity ensued as some states required drivers to join the program to renew or obtain their CDLs. The Transportation Security Administration withdrew its funding from the program and revamped the program into the First Observer Program.

Under a contract funded by the Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Emergency Management Agency, HMS Company, "a professional services firm, experienced in providing valued-added program management, operational, and information technical services within the public safety, homeland defense, and emergency management sector" emerged as team leader and organizer of the program.

Uniting with OOIDA and the Teamster's Union provided a broad range of program applicants that was over 1 million strong. Both organizations provide training and outreach to their members; in addition, other notable partners stepped up to the plate such as Total Security Services International Inc. and Patton Boggs LLP

The First Observer Program trains professional drivers to look for suspicious activity on the road, along infrastructures like bridges, and in the actions of other motorists. Utilizing a call center where calls from participants are cleared through one central location then passed on to appropriate authorities, drivers no longer have to rely on finding the appropriate officials thru the 911 system. Commercial bus drivers, construction workers, and any along the supply chain are also encouraged to participate.

Training consists of watching a series of videos in the appropriate module for the observer's profession. These videos address how to watch for suspicious activity, how to protect loads, especially hazmat, and how to assess and report suspicious activities. September 11, 2009 webinars were offered for the first time to train drivers.

Protecting our country and fellow Americans should be everyone's priority; in doing so, we can also protect our lifestyles and financial security. Do your part by joining the First Observer Program today!

You can register as a First Observer by going to the web site, www.firstobserver.com or by calling 888-217-5902 to speak to a registration operator who can help you.